Wandering Eyes

Mark Tompkins retired from the Newmarket training ranks in 2019 with his highest-profile winner having been the 1993 St Leger winner Bob's Return (Ire) (Bob Back). The final black-type victory of his career came with Brushing (GB), a homebred daughter of Medicean (GB), who landed the Listed Galtres S. at York as well as the Cumberland Plate. Tompkins is now hopeful that by Friday afternoon he can add Classic-winning breeder to his list of achievements as Brushing's daughter, the Lingfield Oaks Trial winner You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), lines up for the Betfred Oaks as one of four runners from Ralph Beckett's stable. In what could be a big weekend for the family, You Got To Me's half-brother Ziggy (GB) (Sixties Icon {GB}) holds an entry at Epsom in the Northern Dancer Handicap on the Derby undercard. “Her granddam belonged to some owners of mine and we always loved her so when they retired we inherited her,” said Tompkins, the former owner of Dullingham Park Stud, which he sold to fellow Yorkshireman Steve Parkin in 2022. Parkin became a Classic-winning breeder himself on Sunday when Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) landed the Irish 1,000 Guineas. “Steve breeds under the name of Branton Court Stud and he's had a really good weekend. I wish him good luck at Dullingham Park,” he added. Tompkins bred You Got To Me in partnership with Richard Marriott, who operates under the Sarabex banner. He explained, “Richard always had horses with me in training, and mares when we had the stud. Now all the mares have gone over to Stuart Thom's Galloway Stud at Woburn. He does a great job.” Tompkins and Marriott sold You Got To Me as a foal through the National Stud for 62,000gns. Returned to Book 1 in the draft of Glenvale Stud, she made 200,000gns when bought by Alex Elliott on behalf of co-owner Valmont. Newsells Park Stud, which stands her sire Nathaniel, who is already the sire of an Oaks and a Derby winner in Enable (GB) and Desert Crown (GB), also owns a share in the filly. The former trainer has resisted any temptation he might have had to make enquiries of You Got To Me's progress at Beckett's Kimpton Down Stables. “I haven't really been in touch with Ralph but we've followed her along,” he said. “We sold her as a foal and then she ended up with Ralph, which we were really pleased about, and she looks pretty useful. “We still have a Time Test two-year-old filly out of the mare. We've just had her broken in but we don't know where she is going to go into training yet, and she has a Pinatubo foal. Brushing has gone back to Nathaniel this year.” The breeders are still involved with Ziggy, who is trained by Harry Eustace and has won three of his 14 starts, including finishing runner-up on his most recent outing at Epsom in the City and Suburban Handicap. “He's been pretty good,” says Tompkins, who adds of You Got To Me, “She stays well, the family all do, and she's very genuine. I think she has a chance if she can just not use up too much early on and there's not too much rain. But she will stay and she will handle the track.” Despite the excitement of being represented in the Oaks as a breeder, the Classic-winning trainer says that he won't be attending Epsom on Friday. He adds, “I'm quite superstitious so I think I'll just have to let her run without being there.” The post Classic Trainer Tompkins Bidding to be Classic Breeder appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Jaime Torres discusses Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Seize the Grey's final breeze before the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course June 8. The son of Arrogate completed six furlongs in 1:13.View the full article

MyRacehorse's Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Seize the Grey returned to the worktab May 29 for the first and only time before competing in the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course June 8.View the full article

The NTRA Polls have fallen into the calm before the storm as the all-important Belmont Stakes (G1) and long list of important graded stakes, including the Metropolitan Handicap (G1), are on the horizon at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

The online catalogue for the upcoming July Sale has been posted and can be viewed at www.fasigtipton.com. A total of 286 selected yearlings have been catalogued for the sale, which will take place Tuesday, July 9 at Newtown Paddocks in Lexington. The sale will begin at 10 AM. “We look forward to kicking off yearling sales season with another strong group of well conformed, mature yearlings in July,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “The sale continues to produce remarkable performance numbers that cannot be overlooked by any serious buyer.” This year's front cover features recent Grade I-winning July Sale graduates Carson's Run, Candied, and Geaux Rocket Ride, while the back cover showcases recent graded stakes winners Accidental Hero, Chop Chop, Danse Macabre, Stay Hot, Super Chow and Three Technique. This year's catalogue includes the Freshman Sire Showcase (Hips 1-88), highlighting the offspring of first-crop yearling sires The catalogue also features yearlings by top general sires Into Mischief, Quality Road, Goldencents, Practical Joke, Justify, Constitution, Uncle Mo, Munnings, and American Pharoah. “While much of the focus in July tends to be on the first yearlings of Freshman sires, the proven sire representation this year is very strong,” noted Browning. Nominations are also now open for the July Selected Horses of Racing Age sale, to be held the day before the yearling sale, on Monday, July 8. Fasig-Tipton will accept nominations up until sale time; however, to be included in the catalogue's initial release, entries should be finalized by June 14. The July Sale catalogue is also available via the equineline sales catalogue app. Print catalogues will be available by Friday, May 31. The post Fasig-Tipton July Sale Catalogue Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New Zealander snares first brace since March thanks to victories from Asian One and G Liner at Sha Tin on Wednesday nightView the full article

The total number of broadcasters that will stream the G1 Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse live will increase to a record 36 on Saturday, June 1, The Jockey Club announced on Wednesday. Television viewers in more than 160 territories will be able to watch the iconic Flat race after the efforts of Racecourse Media Group (RMG), Jockey Club Racecourses and HBA Media. New broadcasters include Sportsnet (Canada), Transvision (Indonesia), NTV (Mongolia), Racing.com and Entain (Australia), and Sport 24 and Anuvu (airlines and cruiselines). There will also be a variety of on-site broadcasters among them Fanduel (U.S.), Sky Racing Thoroughbred Central from Australia, and the Dubai Racing Channel, as well as domestic channels ITV and Racing TV, the rest of Europe is well-covered (Virgin Media, Viaplay, Setanta, Equidia, Polsat, SilkNet, Wedo TV), Africa (SuperSport, Racing 240, Gallop TV), Japan (Green Channel), Hong Kong (HKJC, Cable TV, TVB, Now TV), and Latin American and Caribbean (ESPN / Star +, SportsMax). There are also new syndication deals with news sites Reuters and SNTV. Overall, there are 41 broadcasters in total lined up to take coverage, including CNN International, Trans World Sports, and SPN (Sony) (Indian sub-continent) which will show the race in various iterations. Pan-European coverage has been secured through another first-time deal with Eurovision Sport OTT platform, which will show the full World Feed in 20 new European territories. Tom Sammes, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said, “The Betfred Derby is the most famous and iconic Flat race in the world so it's fantastic that a record number of international broadcasters will be showing this year's renewal. “While there is nowhere quite like Epsom Downs to watch the action and enjoy the carnival atmosphere this weekend, we're delighted that racing fans all over the globe will be able to see a new champion crowned this Saturday.” The post Betfred Derby To Be Available From Record Number Of Live Broadcasters appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Eventing Ireland Youth Committee (EIYC) received €60,000 from the George Mernagh Memorial Fund Limited (GMMF) for 2024, Tattersalls Ireland announced on Wednesday. Mernagh was a former managing director of Tattersalls Ireland heavily involved in equestrian sports. Last year, the GMMF awarded the EIYC €40,000 for various innovative supports. After the marked success of the programme in 2023, they were awarded an additional €20,000. The funding will allow subsidised regional training programmes with high performance trainers for all EIYC members. In addition, bursaries are being offered to encourage riders of all levels to attend their first international event. Additionally, a one-time bursary will be awarded to an under-25 member aspiring to turn professional, aiming to bridge the gap between youth programs and the professional sphere. As well, there is also funding for a youth exchange initiative, covering a high-performance manager and team groom. For more information, please visit the Eventing Ireland website. The post Eventing Ireland Youth Committee Receives €60K From George Mernagh Memorial Fund appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A day of clinics and guided schooling opportunities has been added to the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, according to the organization Wednesday. The additional day, which will be offered Friday, Oct. 11, will feature participants in the disciplines of dressage, show hunter, show jumper and ranch work that did not qualify for the Finale Championships. The symposium runs Oct. 9-12. Clinics will follow a format of a small group working with the clinician, who will be a judge from preliminary competition, while guided schooling will be short individual sessions allowing trainers and horses the opportunity to ride the course with input from the judge. “Giving riders and owners the tools and resources to be successful with Thoroughbreds is essential to the RRP's mission,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “We have always been cognizant of the commitment of resources that trainers make when they sign on to participate in the Makeover, and the addition of these clinics represent our commitment to delivering value to our participants, and creating opportunities for success.” Prior to preliminary competition, all participants will be given the opportunity to school in competition spaces while the new clinic and guided schooling options offer the opportunity for additional education from judges. All clinics and guided schooling rounds are free for the general public. The ASPCA Makeover Marketplace runs concurrently, allowing clinic spectators the opportunity to try multiple Thoroughbreds offered for sale. Registration for clinics and guided schooling for Makeover participants will open in September, and a detailed schedule will be available by the end of September at www.TheRRP.org. The post RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Adds New Day of Clinics appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new deal involving content rights, data, fixed-odds and signals for an ongoing three-year-contract has been reached between 1/ST CONTENT and Breeders' Cup Limited. The agreement encompasses worldwide broadcast and video-streaming distribution relating to fixed-odds wagering on the Breeders' Cup World Championships for 1/ST CONTENT's network of international sportsbook partners outside of North America. The Breeders' Cup World Championship will be held at Del Mar Nov. 1-2. All races will be available for broadcast via 1/ST CONTENT's partner at Sky Sports Racing in the U.K. and Ireland, as well as across a host of other international media partners' digital channels. Simon Fraser, Senior Vice President of International at 1/ST CONTENT, added, “Our continued commitment is to support the Breeders' Cup's efforts to deliver its horse racing content and wagering to a worldwide stage. We know our natural synergies will reliably benefit horse racing's consumer economy, both at home and abroad. And speaking more broadly, this deal represents another significant step in ensuring that North American racing's stakeholders secure their warranted status as the primary beneficiaries of revenues generated through international wagering.” The post 1/ST Content, Breeders’ Cup Limited Forge New Content Deal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Waikato Stud colours carried by I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) will also be seen in Melbourne on Saturday when Knucklebones (NZ) (Savabeel) runs at Caulfield. I Wish I Win is favourite for the Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday while Knucklebones is near the top of the market for the Next Payments Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield. Knucklebones is prepared at Mornington by David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins and Brideoake had plans of joining the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman trained I Wish I Win in a campaign in Brisbane. But those plans were abandoned after Knucklebones finished seventh behind Sure over 1600m at Caulfield on May 11. A start in the Gr.2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben last Saturday had been under consideration for the filly with the potential of progressing to the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week. “That was a pretty nondescript sort of run last time,” Brideoake said. “We didn’t have a lot of luck and I think she’ll improve off that run.” Brideoake has elected to go back to the services of Jamie Mott after apprentice Ryan Houston rode Knucklebones at her last start. Mott was aboard the filly in her debut win at Mornington on New Year’s Day and again following a freshen up when successful at Cranbourne prior to her Caulfield performance. “Getting Jamie back on is a plus and he has had plenty of experience on this filly,” Brideoake said. “He had ridden her in her three starts before her run at Caulfield last time. “I’m happy with how she’s progressed from that last start and I’m happy to run her.” Knucklebones was one of 15 nominations for Saturday’s race which after acceptance will see a field of just seven line up. The filly joins Subrising (Needs Further) at the head of the weights as the only two multiple winners in the race. View the full article

Andrew Scott is looking forward to escaping the Kiwi weather as he heads across to Queensland on Friday, a day out from Geriatrix’s (Almanzor) Australian debut at Eagle Farm. Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan, watched their star filly Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) from afar last weekend in the Gr.2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben, where she travelled wide throughout to finish a gallant fifth behind fellow Kiwi-bred Scarlet Oak. “We were pleased with her performance, while she did have much good fortune in the running getting as wide as she did, and they just weren’t winning from out there as it turned out,” he said. “She’s come through it well, and we’re still in the opinion that she’s in the improving stage and has taken good benefit from the run fitness-wise. “We think she’ll be cherry-ripe back on the good track around Eagle Farm and put in a good performance in the Oaks.” The daughter of Ace High shone on home soil this season with victories in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and Gr.2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m), which attracted the attention of prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir. Next Saturday’s Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) will be her final appearance under the care of O’Sullivan and Scott, as she will remain in Australia to continue her racing career with expat-Kiwi Chris Waller. “For team Wexford, it’s certainly going to be sad to see her go, there’s no doubt about that,” Scott said. “But we all understand her future is in Australia and there will be no lack of support from New Zealand, we’ll be right behind her and will be cheering her home every time.” In the meantime, Scott’s focus will be on Eagle Farm this Saturday, where Geriatrix is double-nominated for a Benchmark 78 over 1400m and the Gr.3 Fred Best Classic (1400m). The Almanzor colt has recorded three victories from nine career starts, with the most recent at Taupo on May 11 booking his place on the plane to Brisbane. “He’s travelled over well and settled into the new environment, he’s an adaptable colt with a wonderful mind that can handle the trip not a bother,” Scott said. Scott indicated the stakes race is the preferred option for Geriatrix, however, the three-year-old currently sits a fourth emergency. “If he was to make the field in the Fred Best, we would like to take our chance there with the good draw (4),” he said. “If we’re in the benchmark race, obviously we’re drawn a bit wide (14) but it’s a big long straight at Eagle Farm and the track will really suit him. “He’s going the right way and we’re confident he will run well, it’s just a bit unfortunate he might have to take on the older horses.” Promising filly Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino) also made the trip over after producing a winning hattrick this campaign and is set for a spell after finishing seventh behind Derby contender First Innings at Ipswich last Wednesday. “It was her first time going right-handed, and she just raced a bit inexperienced in her first attempt over ground as well,” Scott said. “She may have just been getting to the end of her preparation, so we’ve put her in the spelling paddock there and she’s booked to fly home on the 8th of June without another run. “The trip will be the making of her going forward, and she’s going to come back a very good New Zealand racehorse next season. We’ve got high hopes for her.” View the full article

Twelve fillies will line up in Friday's G1 Betfred Oaks at Epsom, with Aidan O'Brien set to be represented by a duo headed by the likely favourite and TDN Rising Star Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) drawn on the outside in 12. Stablemate Rubies Are Red (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is in six, while their compatriot Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) from the Dermot Weld stable will be next door in five. Ralph Beckett's quartet is headed by the Listed Cheshire Oaks winner Forest Fairy (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}) drawn in four, while other notables are the G3 Musidora S. scorer Secret Satire (GB) (Advertise {GB}) from the Andrew Balding yard in stall three and Godolphin's Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in two. The post Dozen Declared For Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gum Basher (NZ) (Vespa) thrives on synthetic track racing over winter, and trainer Peter Didham is looking forward to seeing her return to her favoured surface in the Henry’s Plumbing Ltd & Design Builders 1200m at Awapuni on Thursday. The four-year-old daughter of Vespa is hard to get a line on at home, but Didham said she always brings her A-game to raceday. “She is a terrible trackworker but when it comes raceday she just tries her heart out,” he said. “There is not much of her, but she is pretty gusty and look at her form – she has had six starts on the poly for two wins, a second, third and a fourth. “She is always competitive, but it is a bit stronger field than I was expecting. I think the three $100,000 (All-Weather Champs) races have really put an injection into polytrack racing. “We have got horses coming from up north and I have got a couple staying at my place tonight. It is good to see them supporting the track. “The last raceday was good, I think we had seven local trainers have a winner each, and hopefully that continues tomorrow.” Didham said Awapuni’s synthetic track definitely has its place in racing over the winter months. “You have still got to try horses on there to see if they handle it,” he said. “I have got a couple of horses that don’t like it and horses like Gum Basher just thrive on it. “It is working out really well and we have got good, strong fields tomorrow.” Didham will also be represented by new stable acquisition Reprobate (NZ) (Ace High) in the Pryda 1400. “He has only had one start for me, he had a couple of starts up north. We are still learning about him,” Didham said. “I ran him on the poly in his first start because he had gone a huge trial. I was really pleased with his first effort, we have spaced it on purpose, it has been a month between races. “He is a nice, big Ace High horse going forward and he will be going on the grass in the next couple of starts, we are just trying to sneak in a win on our home track.” Ruffhouse Rosie (NZ) (El Roca) will also represent the stable in the Gary Dyer Painters And Decorators 2140, while stablemates Korolova (NZ) (Russain Revoution) and Moon Money (NZ) (Per Incanto) will contest the Reilly Joinery & Spray Specialist Ltd 1000 and Carters 1400 respectively. “Moon Money was huge two starts ago when second, and last start she was a shade slow and got dug up and pulled her head off, so I would forget about that,” Didham said. “She is one of my best each way chances tomorrow. “Korolova is a speedy filly, but I was horrified by the nine draw, and I wasn’t going to run, but the owners have decided to have a run. 1000m, drawn nine, I can imagine us being in a really bad spot early.” With Awapuni’s main grass track undergoing remedial work over the last year, the local trainers have spent plenty of time on the road travelling to race at other tracks, and Didham said he is enjoying the reduced commute that comes with racing on Awapuni’s polytrack. “All the trainers at the gap this morning were talking about it. It is so nice at the end of the day to hop in the car and go five minutes home instead of two or three hours,” he said. “If we can get the track right here in the next year, have 30-odd meetings on our backdoor step will be great. A lot of our owners are here as well.” View the full article

Lucky Bay (NZ) (Sweynesse) was able to rectify a narrow defeat last start on the Cambridge Synthetic when putting away his rivals in the Cambridge Equine Hospital 1550 comfortably at Wednesday’s meeting. The son of Sweynesse is prepared at the course by Clinton Isdale and hasn’t been far away from breaking maidens since debuting in January, going down by a nose a fortnight ago to Aladdin Sane (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) over the same distance. Lucky Bay entered Wednesday’s contest a $2.10 favourite and controlled terms from the outset under Opie Bosson, travelling strongly into the straight and never looked under much pressure as he pulled away by 1-½ lengths. Isdale has held a good opinion of the three-year-old and was pleased to see him deliver on that promise. “It was a good win. He’s just a big, raw horse who should’ve won a race by now, we did have bigger plans for him, but things just haven’t really gone his way being quite immature mentally,” Isdale said. “He did a couple of things wrong today and still won quite nicely which was good. “I’ll see how he pulls up now, but he might go to the paddock for a month, as he’s had a few runs this prep. I’d like to target the maiden at midnight race for him on the poly.” Isdale was referring to the four MAAT races held on the Cambridge Synthetic on July 24, each worth $35,000 in stakes for maidens as at midnight of April 30. Lucky Bay was bred by Novara Park and was passed in at the 2022 Ready To Run Sales, leading principal Luigi Muollo to retain ownership under his Explosive Breeding banner. “I’d like to thank Luigi Muollo for not only his continued support as an owner of mine, but also a great friend. He’s been really good through tough times,” Isdale said. Isdale will prepare a further two runners over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with last start winner Knights Realm (NZ) (Castledale) lining up in the Rich Hill Stud 1200 at Pukekohe on Saturday. The Castledale four-year-old was taken down by other runner at Hastings in January and was freshened but has come back strongly this campaign and bolted in to break maidens over 1400m at Trentham on May 18. “He was very impressive at Wellington, he’s always had ability but just quite spooky, so it was pleasing to see him win like he did there,” Isdale said. “He’s come through it really well and he seems to like the wet tracks, which we’ll get at Pukekohe. “With the track being a Heavy10, I thought it would be more like a 1400m race anyway so at least I know he’ll run the distance.” Another strong performer at his last appearance, Pontardawe (NZ) (Sweynesse) will make his debut over the bigger fences in the Silver Fern Farms Maiden Steeplechase (3500m) at Te Aroha on Monday, following a third placing over hurdles behind two subsequent winners in Auld Jock (Adelaide) and Run Jakko Run (NZ) (Jakkalberry) at Hawera. “I had originally entered him for a maiden steeplechase trial at Cambridge, which was abandoned due to numbers, so instead of running him in the hurdle trial, I thought he may as well go to Hawera and run for some money,” Isdale said. “That was the only reason why he went over the hurdles, but he ran third and was a touch unlucky. “He’s come through the run really well, the winner has come out and won by ten lengths at Woodville, and the second horse came out and won as well so I’m expecting a forward run from him on Monday. “He’s a lot better over the bigger fences, John and Karen Parsons had him down in the South Island for a prep, and it was John’s idea to send him back up as he thought he’d be a good chaser and he jumps really well.” View the full article

The future leaders and rising stars of the New Zealand racing codes will come together for an awards night in late July for the inaugural Industry Excellence Awards, powered by Entain Australia and New Zealand. Nominations are now open for the awards, which have been developed by Entain, the operators of New Zealand’s TAB, as a way to acknowledge the talents of Kiwis up to the age of 40 in the three racing codes. “We see these awards as a rare opportunity for all our future leaders in racing to gather together and celebrate what has been a huge year for the New Zealand racing industry,” Entain’s Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger, said. “Each code already does a tremendous job of recognising the elite performers in their world, and this represents a chance to add to that, and reward the very best of our many great young people involved in New Zealand racing – including across some of the unsung areas that don’t always get the spotlight but are so critical to its success.” There are awards for a total of nine categories, with a supreme winner chosen from the category award winners. Category winners will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The supreme winner will receive an extra $5,000 on top of their $10,000 category win, and a $5,000 educational package. The award categories are: Leadership, Equine Handling (Stud or Stable), Greyhound Excellence, Dedication to Breeding, Dedication to Racing, Administrative and Ancillary Services, Care and Welfare, Newcomer and National Racing Woman of the Year. Several racing stakeholders have also come on board to support the awards. “It’s outstanding to have IRT, Windsor Park Stud, Waikato Stud and Breckon Farms join us in supporting our young New Zealand talent,” Cameron Rodger said. Entain Australia and New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Lachlan Fitt said the quality of the people involved in the New Zealand industry was a strong influence behind Entain entering the strategic partnership, which began almost one year ago on 1 June 2023. “We were very intentional in including the establishment of these awards as part of our plans,” Lachlan Fitt said. “The current strength and future potential of the New Zealand racing industry and its people was such a strong selling point for us, and we wanted to make sure there was an opportunity to recognise those who contribute today, and who will lead its future tomorrow.” The awards ceremony will be held in Auckland on 28 July, with flights and accommodation supplied for the category finalists. The finalists will be announced and contacted on 4 July. Information on the awards and the nomination process is at entaingroup.co.nz/industryawards. For more information, contact: Matt Smith Senior Manager, Communications Entain Australia and New Zealand M: 027 228 5423 E: matt.smith@entaingroup.co.nz View the full article

Up ‘n’ Gone (NZ) (Castledale) secured a sentimental win for trainer Reece Cole when recording his first victory in nearly two years in the Pryde’s Easifeed 1550 at Cambridge’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday. The eight-year-old gelding was originally raced by Cole’s late mentor Toby Autridge, and the win couldn’t have come at a better time. “It was really good to get that win today,” Cole said. “We are only seven days to the day since it’s been two years since Toby died. This horse is pretty special to all of us.” Following Autridge’s passing, his father Bob took over the handling of the gelding, who faced a limited future on the track before he found his groove on Cambridge’s polytrack. “Two years ago, when Toby died, he was one of the ones that was on the outer and we weren’t going to carry on with,” Cole said. “He ran 100 lengths last at Hastings one day and his next run was his last chance, and he only got beaten by a nose (on the polytrack), and then he won three in a row. After that he earned his place to stay.” The son of Castledale had been winless since those hat-trick of wins, and Cole was pleased to see him break that dry spell when beating the Stephen Marsh-trained Arrowette (NZ) (Zoustar) by a neck on Wednesday. “I thought he needed the run, especially drawing one from the outside,” Cole said. “Maria (Sanson) rode him in the best spot you could because he can be a bit niggly coming out of the gates and miss it, but she ended up in the perfect spot and everything panned out really well.” It was the third training win for Cole, who has held his trainer’s license for two seasons, and he is hoping to quickly add to that tally in the next week. Shocking Penny (NZ) (Shocking) is set to line-up in the Dunstan Horsefeeds 2200 at Pukekohe on Saturday but is also nominated for the Te Aroha Veterinary Services Te Aroha Cup (2200m) and P&J Brosnan Training 0-1 Win Hurdle (3100m) at Te Aroha on Monday. Cole is also set to head to Te Aroha with Meisho Toot (NZ) (Eminent) and Saint Brigid (NZ) (Contributer). “I am not sure what I am going to do with Shocking Penny yet,” Cole said. “Ideally, I would like to run them all on Monday, but I will have a talk with the owner. She will end up hurdling, but I don’t think she will hurdle on Monday, I think she might need one more (run on the flat). “Meisho Toot is a big, staying filly that has taken a bit of time. One of my best mates and I own her. She should run well, she has shown a lot of ability. “Saint Brigid has gone a lot better than what her form suggests, out of a very good mare in Irish Heartbeat, and a wet track should suit.” View the full article

Buyers at next month’s NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka will have access to the progeny of an outstanding range of proven and emerging stallion talent – and at lower price levels than they are likely to command later in life. The catalogue for the National Weanling Sale features 49 different sires, including many of the biggest names among New Zealand’s stallion ranks. SAVABEEL The 2024 National Weanling Sale gives buyers a rare opportunity to secure a weanling by Savabeel at Karaka. In the last seven years, a total of only eight Savabeel weanlings have been sold by NZB for an average price of $121,750. His huge numbers of Book 1 yearlings have averaged $262,350 at Karaka during that same period. He has had 10 yearlings sell for $800,000 or more, with three breaking the $1m mark headed by a $1.4m price tag in 2019. Savabeel’s achievements need little introduction. He is an eight-time champion New Zealand sire and has been credited with no fewer than 145 individual stakes winners, 33 of them at Group One level. He stands for a service fee of $100,000 at Waikato Stud. Savabeel is the sire of Lot 56 in the National Weanling Sale – a colt out of the Medaglia d’Oro mare Miss Maya. The unraced dam is a half-sister to the South African Group One performer Muwaary (O’Reilly), while the stakes-winning second dam Silently (Anabaa) is a half-sister to Australian Group One stars Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) and Comin’ Through (Fastnet Rock). PROISIR Proisir The only stallion to interrupt Savabeel’s almost decade-long dominance of the New Zealand sires’ premiership is Rich Hill Stud’s Proisir. After standing for a $17,500 service fee as recently as two years ago, the breakout performer will command $80,000 in 2024. Proisir topped the New Zealand premiership with an extraordinary season in 2022-23. His progeny earned a total of $4.1m on Kiwi racetracks – the first time a sire has broken the $4m mark in New Zealand. He was represented by no fewer than five Group One winners that season with Legarto (NZ), Prowess (NZ), Levante (NZ), Dark Destroyer (NZ) and Pier (NZ). Yearlings by Proisir have averaged almost $240,000 in Book 1 at Karaka in the last two seasons. In contrast, his weanlings have averaged $47,750 across the 2022 and 2023 National Weanling Sales. Proisir is strongly represented with nine of his progeny in the 2024 National Weanling Sale catalogue, including: Lot 108, a son of Ticket To Ride (NZ) (Shocking), whose nine wins are headed by the Group Three Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). Lot 130, a half-sister to the five-race winner and Group performer Le Castile (NZ) (Dalghar). The dam, the unraced mare Awatea (NZ) (Danasinga), is a half-sister to the dual Group One winner Grout (NZ) (Gold Brose) Lot 146, a filly out of the Zabeel mare Christmas Day. Herself a winner in Australia, Christmas Day is the dam of two foals to race, who have won eight races each – including the Listed John Letts Cup (1800m) winner Pudding (NZ) (Tavistock). ALMANZOR Almanzor It has been a highly successful autumn for Almanzor, whose 2024 service fee has been set at $30,000 by Cambridge Stud. He achieved an incredibly rare double on April 13, siring the quinella in the Group One Sydney Cup (3200m) with Circle Of Fire and Athabascan, while his unbeaten two-year-old son Nucleozor (NZ) won the Listed Welcome Stakes over just 1000 metres that same afternoon. Almanzor has sired 22 winners across Australasia since April 1, including five stakes winners. Moonlight Magic (NZ) captured the Group Three Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie, while Positivity (NZ) – previously runner-up in the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m) – ventured to Adelaide and won the Group Three SA Fillies’ Classic (2500m). Ahuriri (NZ) took out the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m). Yearlings by Almanzor have averaged $128,666 in Book 1 of Karaka in the last two seasons. His weanlings have earned an average price of $33,500 in the same period. Four colts by Almanzor will go through the Karaka sale ring as part of the National Online Weanling Sale, including: Lot 87, whose dam Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto) won five races including the Group Three Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), the Group Three Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and two Listed races. She also finished fourth in the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). This is her second foal. Lot 126, a half-brother to the black-type performer Alchemia (NZ) (Per Incanto). PER INCANTO Per Incanto A prolific source of winners, Per Incanto will stand for a $50,000 service fee at Little Avondale Stud next spring. The son of Street Cry has sired 91 winners since August 1 – a list topped by Belclare (NZ), who won the Group One New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) for the second year in a row. Gringotts (NZ) joined the black-type list with a recent win in Brisbane, while Jimmysstar (NZ), Rue De Royale (NZ), Semper Magico (NZ), Lightning Jack (NZ), Charms Star (NZ), Duke Wai (NZ) and Little Brose have all been stakes-placed. Recognising the deeds of the likes of Melbourne Group One sprinting star Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ), buyers have elevated the average price for Per Incanto yearlings to $182,978 across the last two Book 1 sessions at Karaka. His weanlings have averaged $50,375 during the same period. Per Incanto is the sire of three lots in the National Weanling Sale catalogue. Among them is Lot 102, whose second dam is a three-quarter-sister to the dam of multiple Group One winner and Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy (Red Ransom). SATONO ALADDIN Satono Aladdin A missed season of shuttling during COVID-19 has restricted Satono Aladdin to only two crops of racing age in New Zealand so far, but the Rich Hill Stud sensation has wasted no time in making his mark. His service fee has risen to $65,000 for 2024. Those two New Zealand-conceived crops have produced 38 winners from 83 runners, headed by dual Group One Oaks heroine Pennyweka (NZ) and fellow Group winners Lantern Way (NZ), Sacred Satono (NZ), Tokyo Tycoon (NZ), Still Bangon (NZ), Lupo Solitario (NZ) and Raf Attack (NZ). Satono Aladdin’s return to the sires’ index was enthusiastically welcomed at Karaka 2024 earlier this year, finishing Book 1 with an average of $234,643. His weanlings at the 2023 National Weanling Sale averaged $53,333. The 2024 National Weanling Sale features eight progeny of Satono Aladdin, including: Lot 25, a filly whose dam is a half-sister to the multiple Group One-winning 2017 Weanling Sale graduate Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante). Lot 70, a half-brother to the Listed winner (She’s A) Treasure (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) and is closely related to Group One winners Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) and Chenille (NZ) (Pentire), along with this season’s stakes-winning and undefeated two-year-old Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth). Lot 85, whose dam is a three-quarter-sister to the Group One Australian Derby (2400m) hero Jon Snow (NZ) (Iffraaj). TARZINO Tarzino Stepping into the void left by his late father Tavistock (NZ), Westbury Stud’s Tarzino (NZ) has quickly racked up a career total of 70 winners and will stand for a $20,000 service fee this season. Tarzino’s 41 winners this season include Group Two Autumn Classic (1800m) winner Immediacy (NZ), along with exciting three-year-old filly Tomodachi (NZ) and fellow three-race winners Star Ballot (NZ) and Akrotiri (NZ). Kind Thoughts (NZ) has made a big impression with two wins and two placings from five starts, while Wallen (NZ) has recorded two wins and five placings in an eight-start career and captured the inaugural $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) in February. Tarzino had no weanlings catalogued for this sale last year, but buyers will have the choice of eight in the 2024 catalogue, including: Lot 23, a half-brother to Dream Queen (NZ) (Super Easy), who won three of her seven starts including the Listed William Crockett Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. Lot 41, a half-brother to four winners including the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) placegetter Woodcote Lass (NZ) (Showcasing). All weanlings offered in the National Weanling Sale are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), as well as the new $1m Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand. Selling is set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on Thursday 20 June. View the full article

Late bloomer Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock) executed a near perfect domestic autumn campaign to put herself in line for a trip to the Queensland winter carnival. While the overseas venture has yet to be locked in, the daughter of Tavistock is a strong contender to be given the opportunity to chase Australian black-type and further boost her future broodmare value. “We have freshened her a bit and there is a Listed mile on June 15 and a Listed fillies and mares’ race over 2100m on the 29th for her,” said Roger James, who trains Apostrophe with Robert Wellwood. The Eagle Farm events on the radar are The Wayne Wilson and the Tattersalls Gold Crown. “Nothing is certain at this stage. I’ve got to be happy with her work and happy in every way but it’s certainly a strong possibility,” James said. Apostrophe finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) three runs back before claiming the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) and the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m). “She was very, very good and has come of age as a six-year-old,” James said. “She is feeding better now than she has for her whole life, she had always been a poor feeder before and is just coping so well. “Providing I am happy with her, it (Brisbane) is a distinct possibility.” Apostrophe has won seven races from 1400m to 2100m from just 21 appearances, although it hasn’t all been plain sailing. “She hasn’t been the soundest mare to train and we’ve hard to work around a few issues with her,” James said. “I thought that it may have been her last run when she won at Te Rapa but honestly, she has bounced through it better than she ever has any other run. “We decided to give her a freshen and look at those two races, they fit in well with the direct flights. “There’s a flight on June 8 and it was going to be a long haul to go through Sydney and then all the way up there. “Obviously, we would be going to try and get some black type for her breeding career.” Meanwhile, rising staying star Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) is back in the stable while glamour three-year-old Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) continues to enjoy time in the paddock. Mark Twain finished third in the Gr.3 Auckland Cup (3200m) and then booked a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) berth when he powered home from the tail of the field to win the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington. “He’s grown and strengthened and just looks magnificent. He is a big, big bulk of a horse now,” James said. “To be fair, I thought he might be a Melbourne Cup horse one day and thought it would be in another year’s time, but I am really heartened by the way he has strengthened during his spell. “He has come back in tremendous order, he really has.” Orchestral won five on the bounce, including the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) before she finished third in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m). “I saw her last week and she’d had just a month out then. She has grown and certainly strengthened and decided to give her another couple of weeks out,” James said. “She had a big three-year-old year and we have made no plans yet as to what to do with her as a four-year-old. “I would be keen to give her a pretty light spring though and concentrate more on the autumn.” View the full article

Geriatrix is set to make his Australian debut at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Andrew Scott is looking forward to escaping the Kiwi weather as he heads across to Queensland on Friday, a day out from Geriatrix’s Australian debut at Eagle Farm. Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan, watched their star filly Molly Bloom from afar last weekend in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben, where she travelled wide throughout to finish a gallant fifth behind fellow Kiwi-bred Scarlet Oak. “We were pleased with her performance, while she did have much good fortune in the running getting as wide as she did, and they just weren’t winning from out there as it turned out,” he said. “She’s come through it well, and we’re still in the opinion that she’s in the improving stage and has taken good benefit from the run fitness-wise. “We think she’ll be cherry-ripe back on the good track around Eagle Farm and put in a good performance in the Oaks.” The daughter of Ace High shone on home soil this season with victories in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and Group 2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m), which attracted the attention of prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir. Next Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) will be her final appearance under the care of O’Sullivan and Scott, as she will remain in Australia to continue her racing career with expat-Kiwi Chris Waller. “For team Wexford, it’s certainly going to be sad to see her go, there’s no doubt about that,” Scott said. “But we all understand her future is in Australia and there will be no lack of support from New Zealand, we’ll be right behind her and will be cheering her home every time.” In the meantime, Scott’s focus will be on Eagle Farm this Saturday, where Geriatrix is double-nominated for a Benchmark 78 over 1400m and the Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m). The Almanzor colt has recorded three victories from nine career starts, with the most recent at Taupo on May 11 booking his place on the plane to Brisbane. “He’s travelled over well and settled into the new environment, he’s an adaptable colt with a wonderful mind that can handle the trip not a bother,” Scott said. Scott indicated the stakes race is the preferred option for Geriatrix, however, the three-year-old currently sits a fourth emergency. “If he was to make the field in the Fred Best, we would like to take our chance there with the good draw (4),” he said. “If we’re in the benchmark race, obviously we’re drawn a bit wide (14) but it’s a big long straight at Eagle Farm and the track will really suit him. “He’s going the right way and we’re confident he will run well, it’s just a bit unfortunate he might have to take on the older horses.” Promising filly Tomodachi also made the trip over after producing a winning hattrick this campaign and is set for a spell after finishing seventh behind Derby contender First Innings at Ipswich last Wednesday. “It was her first time going right-handed, and she just raced a bit inexperienced in her first attempt over ground as well,” Scott said. “She may have just been getting to the end of her preparation, so we’ve put her in the spelling paddock there and she’s booked to fly home on the 8th of June without another run. “The trip will be the making of her going forward, and she’s going to come back a very good New Zealand racehorse next season. We’ve got high hopes for her.” Horse racing news View the full article

A Queensland campaign is on the cards for Apostrophe. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Late bloomer Apostrophe executed a near perfect domestic autumn campaign to put herself in line for a trip to the Queensland winter carnival. While the overseas venture has yet to be locked in, the daughter of Tavistock is a strong contender to be given the opportunity to chase Australian black-type and further boost her future broodmare value. “We have freshened her a bit and there is a Listed mile on June 15 and a Listed fillies and mares’ race over 2100m on the 29th for her,” said Roger James, who trains Apostrophe with Robert Wellwood. The Eagle Farm events on the radar are The Wayne Wilson and the Tattersalls Gold Crown. “Nothing is certain at this stage. I’ve got to be happy with her work and happy in every way but it’s certainly a strong possibility,” James said. Apostrophe finished runner-up in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) three runs back before claiming the Group 3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) and the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m). “She was very, very good and has come of age as a six-year-old,” James said. “She is feeding better now than she has for her whole life, she had always been a poor feeder before and is just coping so well. “Providing I am happy with her, it (Brisbane) is a distinct possibility.” Apostrophe has won seven races from 1400m to 2100m from just 21 appearances, although it hasn’t all been plain sailing. “She hasn’t been the soundest mare to train and we’ve hard to work around a few issues with her,” James said. “I thought that it may have been her last run when she won at Te Rapa but honestly, she has bounced through it better than she ever has any other run. “We decided to give her a freshen and look at those two races, they fit in well with the direct flights. “There’s a flight on June 8 and it was going to be a long haul to go through Sydney and then all the way up there. “Obviously, we would be going to try and get some black type for her breeding career.” Meanwhile, rising staying star Mark Twain is back in the stable while glamour three-year-old Orchestral continues to enjoy time in the paddock. Mark Twain finished third in the Group 3 Auckland Cup (3200m) and then booked a Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) berth when he powered home from the tail of the field to win the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington. “He’s grown and strengthened and just looks magnificent. He is a big, big bulk of a horse now,” James said. “To be fair, I thought he might be a Melbourne Cup horse one day and thought it would be in another year’s time, but I am really heartened by the way he has strengthened during his spell. “He has come back in tremendous order, he really has.” Orchestral won five on the bounce, including the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) before she finished third in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m). “I saw her last week and she’d had just a month out then. She has grown and certainly strengthened and decided to give her another couple of weeks out,” James said. “She had a big three-year-old year and we have made no plans yet as to what to do with her as a four-year-old. “I would be keen to give her a pretty light spring though and concentrate more on the autumn.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Queensland Derby 2024 Where Eagle Farm Racecourse – 230 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, June 1, 2024 Prizemoney $1,000,000 Distance 2400m Conditions Set Weights 2023 winner Kovalica (5) | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) Visit Dabble The Group 1 Queensland Derby will headline a massive day of racing at Eagle Farm this Saturday, with a full field of 18 three-year-olds expected to line up in the $1 million feature. As it is the first meeting at Eagle Farm for the Queensland Racing Carnival, the rail will be in its true position, and the surface is expected to be in perfect order for the nine-race card. Chris Waller has won two of the last three editions of the Queensland Derby, and he will send four runners to this year’s race. The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman team has accepted with Autumn Angel, who will be seeking to become the first filly to win the Derby since 2010. Queensland Derby 2024 odds Autumn Angel heads the Queensland Derby market at +130 with online bookmakers. The other two runners in single figures are last-start Rough Habit Plate winner Tanhauser (+320) and South Australian Derby runner-up Warmonger (+750). After claiming victory on his Australian debut, the Andrew Forsman-trained First Innings (+1700) sits on the fourth line of betting ahead of Saban (+2500) and Navy King (+2000), who will make their way from Victoria to run in the Derby. Queensland Derby 2024 speed map There don’t appear to be any specialist leaders in the Queensland Derby field, so it is expected that Navy King and First Innings will push forward from their middle barriers and take up the running. Gold Bullion, Kirikan and Shy Guy can settle in behind the leaders, with the likes of Agita, Tanhauser and Autumn Angel expected to hold forward spots from inside barriers. Warmonger, Encoder and Saban will settle at the back of the field and look to swoop down the outside in the home straight. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Queensland Derby. Queensland Derby 2024 preview & form Autumn Angel will seek history as she attempts to become the first filly to win the Queensland Derby since Dariana in 2010. After winning the Group 1 Australian Oaks at Randwick, the daughter of The Autumn Sun was given a five-week freshen before running second in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate on May 18. If Mark Zahra can get off the fence before the home turn, Autumn Angel should prove to be the superior stayer in this field. Unfortunately for connections of Warmonger, their gelding has once again drawn an outside barrier and will have to settle in the last few in the running. The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained galloper showed in the South Australian Derby that he can run out a strong 2400m; however, he settles too far off the pace in his races. If Blake Shinn can somehow get the son of War Decree into midfield with cover, there is no doubt that Warmonger can figure in the finish. First Innings is coming off a good preparation in New Zealand and a very impressive win at Ipswich over 2180m. When racing over 2400m in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby, the Andrew Forsman-trained galloper was well beaten and dropped out in the concluding stages. With more experience under his belt, it is expected that he will perform better in his second attempt at Group 1 level and at the distance. Tanhauser was very good in the Rough Habit Plate, where he rounded up his rivals at the 300m before clearing out and winning by a length over Autumn Angel. However, the Chris Waller-trained gelding has yet to race over a distance further than 2000m, and that has to be a concern for his followers. Queensland Derby 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 18 AUTUMN ANGEL 2 WARMONGER 12 FIRST INNINGS 1 TANHAUSER $100 betting strategy $100 Win Autumn Angel (#18) @ +130 with Neds 2024 Queensland Derby Final Field 1. Tanhauser (3) T: Chris Waller J: Nash Rawiller W: 57kg F: 6241 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay/Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Luqyaa +320 -140.85 2. Warmonger (23) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr J: Blake Shinn W: 57kg F: 6252 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: War Decree (USA) Dam: Princess Sapphire +750 +166 3. Encoder (18) T: Lee Freedman J: Damien Thornton W: 57kg F: x006 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown/Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Encryption Dam: Eight Below +5000 +1111 4. Gold Bullion (10) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 57kg F: 2928 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown/Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Savabeel Dam: Gold Rush +4000 +888 5. Navy King (13) T: Symon Wilde J: Craig Williams W: 57kg F: 7441 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: U S Navy Flag (USA) Dam: Eliza Blues +2000 +377 6. Kirikan (8) T: Chris Waller J: James Orman W: 57kg F: x700 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tivaci Dam: Jammu +10000 +2222 7. Felix The Scat (22) T: Tony Gollan J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor W: 57kg F: x084 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Mendelssohn (USA) Dam: Miss Pocket Rocket +4000 +888 8. Sonofdec (21) T: Jay Hopkins J: Regan Bayliss W: 57kg F: x311 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Kermadec (NZ) Dam: Imperial Rule +2000 +444 9. Bullets High (14) T: Joseph Pride J: Tyler Schiller W: 57kg F: 5661 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ace High Dam: Sororia +1700 +377 10. Agita (6) T: David Payne J: Jason Collett W: 57kg F: 0225 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Adelaide (IRE) Dam: Tramotane +2000 +444 11. Warialda Warrior (7) T: John Ramsey J: Jake Bayliss W: 57kg F: 7806 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Saxon Warrior (JPN) Dam: Romance Writer +7000 +1555 12. First Innings (12) T: Andrew Forsman J: Jim Byrne W: 57kg F: 1031 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Contributer (IRE) Dam: Dream Run +1000 +222 13. Shy Guy (4) T: Chris Waller J: Tommy Berry W: 57kg F: x873 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Saxon Warrior (JPN) Dam: Timid +4000 +888 14. Saban (16) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Jamie Kah W: 57kg F: 2412 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Shamus Award (AUS) Dam: Striking Choice +2500 +555 15. Anderson Bridge (15) T: Chris Waller J: Vlad Duric W: 57kg F: 5674 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Savabeel Dam: Tricia’o +8000 +1777 16. Purveyor (11) T: Bevan Laming J: Michael Cahill W: 57kg F: 1049 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Merchant Navy Dam: Mystique +12500 +2777 17. Moonlight Magic (19) T: Andrew Forsman J: Michael Dee W: 55kg F: 5641 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Japonica +2500 +555 18. Autumn Angel (1) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Mark Zahra W: 55kg F: 1212 Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Angel Of Mercy +130 -333.33 19 (1E). Mannerheim (9) T: Chris Waller J: Ryan Maloney W: 55kg F: 2310 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Miss Helsinki +10000 +2222 20 (2E). Misterckipchoge (5) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 57kg F: x902 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Porotene Mhia +3000 +666 21 (3E). Saxon Brave (2) T: Daiki Chujo J: Noriyuki Masuda W: 231627kg F: 1 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Saxon Warrior (JPN) Dam: Manrose Hattan +20000 +4444 22 (4E). Kadavar (17) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 57kg F: 0930 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tarzino (NZ) Dam: Arapaho Miss +10000 +2222 23 (5E). Kairos Louie (20) T: Christos Zintilis J: TBC W: 57kg F: 7310 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Time Test (GB) Dam: Lucy Liu +20000 +4444 More horse racing tips View the full article

Lucky Bay powers to his maiden success at Cambridge Synthetic on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Lucky Bay was able to rectify a narrow defeat last start on the Cambridge Synthetic when putting away his rivals in the Cambridge Equine Hospital 1550 comfortably at Wednesday’s meeting. The son of Sweynesse is prepared at the course by Clinton Isdale and hasn’t been far away from breaking maidens since debuting in January, going down by a nose a fortnight ago to Aladdin Sane over the same distance. Lucky Bay entered Wednesday’s contest a $2.10 favourite and controlled terms from the outset under Opie Bosson, travelling strongly into the straight and never looked under much pressure as he pulled away by 1.5 lengths. Isdale has held a good opinion of the three-year-old and was pleased to see him deliver on that promise. “It was a good win. He’s just a big, raw horse who should’ve won a race by now, we did have bigger plans for him, but things just haven’t really gone his way being quite immature mentally,” Isdale said. “He did a couple of things wrong today and still won quite nicely which was good. “I’ll see how he pulls up now, but he might go to the paddock for a month, as he’s had a few runs this prep. I’d like to target the maiden at midnight race for him on the poly.” Isdale was referring to the four MAAT races held on the Cambridge Synthetic on July 24, each worth $35,000 in stakes for maidens as at midnight of April 30. Lucky Bay was bred by Novara Park and was passed in at the 2022 Ready To Run Sales, leading principal Luigi Muollo to retain ownership under his Explosive Breeding banner. “I’d like to thank Luigi Muollo for not only his continued support as an owner of mine, but also a great friend. He’s been really good through tough times,” Isdale said. Isdale will prepare a further two runners over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with last start winner Knight’s Realm lining up in the Rich Hill Stud 1200 at Pukekohe on Saturday. The Castledale four-year-old was taken down by other runner at Hastings in January and was freshened but has come back strongly this campaign and bolted in to break maidens over 1400m at Trentham on May 18. “He was very impressive at Wellington, he’s always had ability but just quite spooky, so it was pleasing to see him win like he did there,” Isdale said. “He’s come through it really well and he seems to like the wet tracks, which we’ll get at Pukekohe. “With the track being a Heavy 10, I thought it would be more like a 1400m race anyway so at least I know he’ll run the distance.” Another strong performer at his last appearance, Pontardawe will make his debut over the bigger fences in the Silver Fern Farms Maiden Steeplechase (3500m) at Te Aroha on Monday, following a third placing over hurdles behind two subsequent winners in Auld Jock and Run Jakko Run at Hawera. “I had originally entered him for a maiden steeplechase trial at Cambridge, which was abandoned due to numbers, so instead of running him in the hurdle trial, I thought he may as well go to Hawera and run for some money,” Isdale said. “That was the only reason why he went over the hurdles, but he ran third and was a touch unlucky. “He’s come through the run really well, the winner has come out and won by ten lengths at Woodville, and the second horse came out and won as well so I’m expecting a forward run from him on Monday. “He’s a lot better over the bigger fences, John and Karen Parsons had him down in the South Island for a prep, and it was John’s idea to send him back up as he thought he’d be a good chaser and he jumps really well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Up ‘n’ Gone (outside) winning at Cambridge on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Up ‘n’ Gone secured a sentimental win for trainer Reece Cole when recording his first victory in nearly two years in the Pryde’s Easifeed 1550 at Cambridge’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday. The eight-year-old gelding was originally raced by Cole’s late mentor Toby Autridge, and the win couldn’t have come at a better time. “It was really good to get that win today,” Cole said. “We are only seven days to the day since it’s been two years since Toby died. This horse is pretty special to all of us.” Following Autridge’s passing, his father Bob took over the handling of the gelding, who faced a limited future on the track before he found his groove on Cambridge’s polytrack. “Two years ago, when Toby died, he was one of the ones that was on the outer and we weren’t going to carry on with,” Cole said. “He ran 100 lengths last at Hastings one day and his next run was his last chance, and he only got beaten by a nose (on the polytrack), and then he won three in a row. After that he earned his place to stay.” The son of Castledale had been winless since those hat-trick of wins, and Cole was pleased to see him break that dry spell when beating the Stephen Marsh-trained Arrowette by a neck on Wednesday. “I thought he needed the run, especially drawing one from the outside,” Cole said. “Maria (Sanson) rode him in the best spot you could because he can be a bit niggly coming out of the gates and miss it, but she ended up in the perfect spot and everything panned out really well.” It was the third training win for Cole, who has held his trainer’s license for two seasons, and he is hoping to quickly add to that tally in the next week. Shocking Penny is set to line-up in the Dunstan Horsefeeds 2200 at Pukekohe on Saturday but is also nominated for the Te Aroha Cup (2200m) and 0-1 Win Hurdle (3100m) at Te Aroha on Monday. Cole is also set to head to Te Aroha with Meisho Toot and Saint Brigid. “I am not sure what I am going to do with Shocking Penny yet,” Cole said. “Ideally, I would like to run them all on Monday, but I will have a talk with the owner. She will end up hurdling, but I don’t think she will hurdle on Monday, I think she might need one more (run on the flat). “Meisho Toot is a big, staying filly that has taken a bit of time. One of my best mates and I own her. She should run well, she has shown a lot of ability. “Saint Brigid has gone a lot better than what her form suggests, out of a very good mare in Irish Heartbeat, and a wet track should suit.” Horse racing news View the full article

Gum Basher will contest the Henry’s Plumbing Ltd & Design Builders 1200m at Awapuni on Thursday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Gum Basher thrives on synthetic track racing over winter, and trainer Peter Didham is looking forward to seeing her return to her favoured surface in the Henry’s Plumbing Ltd & Design Builders 1200m at Awapuni on Thursday. The four-year-old daughter of Vespa is hard to get a line on at home, but Didham said she always brings her A-game to raceday. “She is a terrible trackworker but when it comes raceday she just tries her heart out,” he said. “There is not much of her, but she is pretty gusty and look at her form – she has had six starts on the poly for two wins, a second, third and a fourth. “She is always competitive, but it is a bit stronger field than I was expecting. I think the three $100,000 (All-Weather Champs) races have really put an injection into polytrack racing. “We have got horses coming from up north and I have got a couple staying at my place tonight. It is good to see them supporting the track. “The last raceday was good, I think we had seven local trainers have a winner each, and hopefully that continues tomorrow.” Didham said Awapuni’s synthetic track definitely has its place in racing over the winter months. “You have still got to try horses on there to see if they handle it,” he said. “I have got a couple of horses that don’t like it and horses like Gum Basher just thrive on it. “It is working out really well and we have got good, strong fields tomorrow.” Didham will also be represented by new stable acquisition Reprobate in the Pryda 1400. “He has only had one start for me, he had a couple of starts up north. We are still learning about him,” Didham said. “I ran him on the poly in his first start because he had gone a huge trial. I was really pleased with his first effort, we have spaced it on purpose, it has been a month between races. “He is a nice, big Ace High horse going forward and he will be going on the grass in the next couple of starts, we are just trying to sneak in a win on our home track.” Ruffhouse Rosie will also represent the stable in the Gary Dyer Painters And Decorators 2140, while stablemates Korolova and Moon Money will contest the Reilly Joinery & Spray Specialist Ltd 1000 and Carters 1400 respectively. “Moon Money was huge two starts ago when second, and last start she was a shade slow and got dug up and pulled her head off, so I would forget about that,” Didham said. “She is one of my best each way chances tomorrow. “Korolova is a speedy filly, but I was horrified by the nine draw, and I wasn’t going to run, but the owners have decided to have a run. 1000m, drawn nine, I can imagine us being in a really bad spot early.” With Awapuni’s main grass track undergoing remedial work over the last year, the local trainers have spent plenty of time on the road travelling to race at other tracks, and Didham said he is enjoying the reduced commute that comes with racing on Awapuni’s polytrack. “All the trainers at the gap this morning were talking about it. It is so nice at the end of the day to hop in the car and go five minutes home instead of two or three hours,” he said. “If we can get the track right here in the next year, have 30-odd meetings on our backdoor step will be great. A lot of our owners are here as well.” Horse racing news View the full article